Bradwell’s Book of Sussex

Sussex is well-known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. But there is even more to the county than the Battle of Hastings and the delights of heritage sites like Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens. In Bradwell’s Book of Sussex, we uncover some of the fascinating myths, legends and customs that make the county what it is. In this book, you will also find out which Sussex locals have made their name around the world and how to create some of the area’s best-loved dishes. You can also try out a little of the local dialect for yourself! Whether you’re new to Sussex or just ready to explore it in more detail, Bradwell’s Book of Sussex should prove to be a handy guide!

Contents

Introduction
Ancient and picturesque, Sussex has been shaped by its fierce sense of independence for many years. Find out how this strong sense of identity has given rise to many fascinating customs and impressive achievements.

Dialect
The dialect of Sussex has been well preserved. Discover more here and test your talent for ‘speaking Sussex’.

Wit and Humour
Have a giggle with some Sussex-based jokes and stories.

History
From the Battle of Hastings to the birthplace of one of the country’s best-loved plays, discover more about the rich history of Sussex.

Recipes
Sussex is celebrated for its food, so much so that it was said that to venture into the county was to risk being turned into a pudding yourself! Read on for some mouth-watering recipes.

Customs
Sussex is packed full of fascinating folklore and customs. Whether it is the power of bees, the tradition of gooding or ringing the bull, you can find out more in this book.

Ghost Stories
From royal spectres to haunted B&Bs and ghostly fights, Sussex is packed with otherworldly goings-on, if the tales are to be believed. Read on – if you dare!

Legends
Sussex is full of fascinating legends, from myths about Sussex mud to curious stories about the local sheep.

Murder Stories
Learn about the tragic events behind two real-life tales of murder from Sussex.

Famous Names
Whether it is one of the best-known brands on the high street, the birth of television or the very beginnings of online shopping, Sussex is a place where great things happen!

Sport
The world has Sussex to thank for the invention of cricket. We take a brief look at its history and some lesser-known games and sports that originated in the county.

Famous Locals
Sussex people have had and continue to have a considerable influence on the world. Learn about some of the locals who have gone on to great things.

Introduction

She reminded herself that Sussex, when all was said and done, was not quite like other counties.
Stella Gibbons, Cold Comfort Farm

God gives all men all earth to love,
But since man’s heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
The lot has fallen to me
In a fair ground – In a fair ground –
Yea, Sussex by the Sea!
Excerpt from ‘Sussex’ by Rudyard Kipling

The ancient land of the South Saxons, now called Sussex, is one of the most beautiful and culturally vibrant areas in southern England. Its spectacular coastline and sunny weather made Sussex one of the first counties to promote and exploit the 18th-century fad for sea-bathing which began the British love for the seaside. The county’s rolling countryside and pretty villages have attracted tourists for centuries and it became a rural second home for the Bloomsbury Group among others. A major portion of Britain’s newest National Park, the South Downs, is contained within Sussex. Of course, today one should not really talk about Sussex as a single entity (though we will do so for the purposes of this book). There are two modern counties, East Sussex and West Sussex, between which is sandwiched the unitary authority of Brighton & Hove.

Sussex has long celebrated having a distinct identity from the rest of the country. Its location has helped to define this character and protected it from the disruption of historic political shifts. In fact, the people of Sussex have such a keen sense of independence that the county’s unofficial motto is We wunt be druv, which roughly means ‘We won’t be pushed around.’ It is thought that this motto originates from the picturesque Weald area of the county. You can read more about the motto and its inclusion in Victor Cook’s well-loved poem in the history section of this book.

However, Sussex is known for even more than independence and a strong sense of identity. It is also recognised for its well-established bonfire celebrations, which take place across the county to mark both Guy Fawkes Night and the burning of seventeen Protestant martyrs in Lewes between 1555 and 1557. Sussex is a creative place and likes to lead the way, as is motto suggests, in celebrating music and in the fact that it is home to one of the UK’s largest and oldest gay pride parades, Brighton Pride. Sussex people officially celebrate Sussex Day on 16 June. This is the feast day of Sussex’s patron saint, St Richard of Chichester, and it has been observed since 2007.

Sussex is full of fascinating customs. Its seaside location and heritage are celebrated in many fishing-related customs. For example, Brighton fishermen say of their Hastings counterparts that when it is time to get up in the morning, they hold a lighted candle outside the window. If the candle blows out they will shake their heads and declare, ‘’Tain’t safe to go out, for there be a gale blowin’.’ On the other hand, if the candle stays alight they will conclude, ‘’Tain’t no good goin’ off, for there bain’t no wind!’ In either eventuality, they return to their beds.

Sussex is home to many important historic sites, some of which are associated with unnerving ghost stories. Whether it is Eastbourne Pier or the ruins of Cowdray House, Sussex is the location of many ghostly goings-on, if the stories are to be believed. But Sussex is as much as about the future as it is about the past. After all, this is the place where TV first flickered into life and where online shopping was first conceived and created. It is the birthplace of cricket and it’s the home of an internationally renowned marbles competition. It is the place that gave rise to one of our best-loved singers, as well as an important cookery writer and a leading feminist. There is far too much to share about Sussex than will fit in this little book. But we hope that it gives you a flavour of all that is Sussex. Happy exploring!